A Reaper Made Read Online Free PDF Page B

this, no one can know. You’ll need to periodically check on your souls at the retirement home to avoid drawing attention to your absence.”
    “I can figure that out. Last favor: Tessa comes with us.”  
    I kept my voice firm, knew I was pushing what little luck I had left. Granted, I hadn’t asked if she’d be up for the adventure, but I had a hard time imagining Tessa not wanting to join in. She was a three-hundred-something year old witch who’d grown bored with the usual scene. She would be pissed if I didn’t invite her.  
    “Duh,” Tessa said immediately, confirming my first thought.  
    Tully’s face hardened and I could tell he was trying not to roll his eyes. I needed to show reason for my request.  
    “Tessa has magic if we run into a situation; she can help us with whatever we need,” I said.  
    “Fine,” he said in a clipped tone. “Tessa, you will go with us. You two will have to keep the ninnying to a minimum, you know.”
    “Ninny- oh never mind,” I said, not wanting a historical grammar lesson at the moment. “So we’re going back to my family?”
    “You must not be seen.”
    “Yeah, yeah, I know.”
    I ignored his pointed look and took a deep breath as I made my decision. I would have to go back; how could I not? I would never leave my family’s souls to chance.  

CHAPTER FIVE

    We popped back to Tessa’s to regroup. Over the next hour, Tully’s frown was obvious even under his ginger beard. I waited for him to speak and finally prodded him when he remained quiet.  
    “What’s wrong?” I asked. “I mean, besides…everything.”  
    Tessa rolled her eyes and I shrugged, not knowing what to say. Coaxing information out of Tully had never been easy. She shot me a look, her eyes daring me to push harder.  
    “I’ve been thinking…” Tully trailed off and I raised an eyebrow.  
    “About?”
    “I want to consult the elders; I must at least warn them of what’s happening.”  
    “What?” My hands waved frantically. “Terrible idea. They can’t know what we’re doing.”  
    “I will not reveal that,” Tully said with a frown. “I am saying before we go through with this plan, let us see if they know anything about it. Maybe they are already aware of the situation. They may have answers and spare us from getting involved.”  
    “So why haven’t they done anything about it yet?” Tessa asked. I happened to agree with her thinking, my concerns still with my family. Her huffy tone made Tully’s posture straighten.  
    “This is a dangerous game we’re playing and we need answers. I have to speak with someone I never thought I’d see again,” Tully said.  
    “Who’s that?” I asked.  
    “Alistair.”  
    I jerked at the name, my lips parting in surprise. “Why do you need to see him?”  
    Tessa huffed. “Him who?”  
    “My mentor,” Tully said in a clipped tone.  
    “Oh, geez,” Tessa mumbled. She might not have known the name, but I could tell she knew the meaning behind it.  
    Tully pushed past her to stalk out of the room, but I raised my arm to stop him. “This is literally the first time you’ve ever referenced him other than to tell me his name when I prodded. Why is it so important you talk to him now?”  
    Tully looked taken aback at my serious reaction. Whatever the reason, he gave in. His shoulder slumped for an instant; he tried to cover it up by crossing his arms over his chest. His jaw clenched.  
    “Alistair is one of the oldest Reapers, part of the first wave of Trues.” Tully’s monotone voice flattened his usual Irish inflection. “He may be able to provide answers on why Mades are disappearing.”  
    “Would going to him put him in danger?” I said.  
    Tully shook his head a bit too hard, anger on the edge of his tone. “Alistair does not leave the elders’ location.”  
      Now I was puzzled. “I guess I thought you kept in touch.”  
    “He made me,” Tully said, his blue eyes going hard, “but